/ the beauty aisle

Chances are that you’ve been using expired makeup products for months and didn’t even know it! Since spring is right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to finish up some Netflix series, eat a Soba Noodle Bowl from Panera, and reorganize your makeup bag.

Since expired cosmetics can irritate the skin and cause eye infections, it’s important to pay attention to the lifespan of your makeup. Most products will have a jar symbol on them with a numeral that signifies the number of months you have until the item is no longer usable. The easiest way I have found to keep track though, is simply to write on all of my makeup products with a sharpie to help me remember when I opened them.

There are a lot of times that your makeup can even tell you that it is officially done! If your gloss is goopy, your nail polish is separating, or your mascara is flaking all over the place, then it is time to bid it adieu. If you are a makeup expert and know when to get rid of your cosmetics, then your makeup should serve you well. If not, here are some guidelines to help you know when to replace your favorite makeup products: